Approval of biggest coal project in NSW planning commission’s history described as ‘infamous betrayal’
Summary
The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission approved the largest coal mining project in the state's history, allowing mining to continue in the Hunter Valley until 2045. The project will increase greenhouse gas emissions but is seen by the commission as providing regional economic benefits and jobs while requiring plans to limit coal exports to countries with climate policies.Key Facts
- The Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) Continuation Project was approved by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC).
- The project will allow coal mining until 2045 at the Hunter Valley site near Singleton, NSW.
- The mine is expected to produce 809 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions, mostly from burning coal overseas.
- The IPC said the project’s economic benefits to the Hunter region outweigh the climate change impact.
- The IPC requires HVO to manage emissions by limiting coal exports to countries with climate policies aligned with the Paris Agreement.
- Climate groups criticized the project, saying it conflicts with Australia’s climate commitments and will worsen climate disasters.
- The project still needs federal environmental approval, expected by the end of the year.
- HVO is jointly owned by Glencore and Yancoal and currently employs about 1,500 people.
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